REVOLVE


Meaning of REVOLVE in English

I. rə̇ˈvälv, rēˈ-, -ˈvȯlv also -ˈvä(u̇)v or -ˈvȯv verb

( -ed/-ing/-s )

Etymology: Middle English revolven, from Latin revolvere to roll back, from re- + volvere to roll — more at voluble

transitive verb

1. obsolete : to turn (the eyes or sight) back or around

2. : to consider or meditate upon at length or repeatedly considering various aspects and phases (as in seeking a solution or reaching a decision)

revolving a scheme to get a pension for his brother

revolved the story in his mind as he waited

3. obsolete : to turn or bring back : restore

4. archaic : to skim or search through (as a book) : turn the pages of ; also : to read through : study

5. obsolete : to wrap up : bind

6.

a. : to cause to go around in an orbit

b. : to cause to turn around on or as if on an axis : rotate

intransitive verb

1.

a. obsolete : return

b. : to come around again : recur

2.

a. : to meditate on something : consider deliberately : ponder

with thoughts revolving upon his holiday plans

b. : to be a source or cause of meditation

the idea continued to revolve in his mind

3.

a. : to move in a curved path around a center or axis

the planets revolve around the sun

— compare revolution 1e(1)

b. : to turn or roll around on or as if on an axis like a wheel : rotate — compare revolution 1e(2)

4. : to come to a center or focal point : pivot

the whole household revolves about the baby

Synonyms: see consider , turn

II. noun

( -s )

: an act or instance of revolving : revolution

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.